Golf R Observations and Questions

[Damienp]

Thanks guys for your opinions. It is appreciated.
Put an offer to the owner today. Hopefully things go my way and i will be winging it to Melb to pick it up.

[chylld]

I don't mind the MKVII but it's just more of the same. A good thing I guess but I'm possibly going to get something more lively and less "Golf" in styling . If that makes sense

[Candyman]

I don't mind the MKVII but it's just more of the same. A good thing I guess but I'm possibly going to get something more lively and less "Golf" in styling . If that makes sense

[Candyman]

I'm more looking for a major change in styling. Most likely have to look outside VAG. The S3 isn't it either for me. I'm happy with the mechanicals, even the temperamental DSG. I'm a few years away from changing the MKVI now as I put cash into something else

[Frazza]

I've struggled to find a worthy replacement. The MKVII isn't but maybe the MKVIII will be ?

The options are a killer for me, it's ok if you had a fairly base optioned MK6 cause the MK7 has a lot of kit standard but for me with Recaros, Dynaudio, Satnav and IMO a better sunroof i can't option any of those so i'll be going backwards. The S3 is my pick

[Candyman]

Some people got 18's because the car came with them, I specifically chose 18s for the benefits (same with DSG)

Lighter unsprung weight as well

As for the bi xenon silver vs black finish, the silver shows off the tech better.

As has been said though, the car is still a winner.

I've struggled to find a worthy replacement. The MKVII isn't but maybe the MKVIII will be ?

[zoomda]

Not hard to tell who owns what with the responses regarding wheel size and gearbox

Here's my 2c worth.

1. Visually there isn't much difference between 18" and 19" if the rims are the same colour. Comparing silver to black is more noticeable.
2. The ride is firmer on 19" with stock suspension.
3. Turning circle is pretty bad on 19". I notice even just general driving there is more turn of the wheel required compared to 18"
4. 19" are easier to clean, especially the fronts. The space between the brakes etc and the rim on the 18"'s in the front is too small and a bastard to clean.
5. Risk of rim damage is higher with 19".
6. Tyres more expensive on the 19".

DSG and manual are both fun. If you like changing gears, get a manual. If you sit in traffic a lot and get annoyed with riding the clutch and changing gears, get a DSG.

[Frazza]

I guess i never drive anywhere that the turning circle has been a problem, i think the only time i have to do a uturn is on a cruise when someone stuffs up directions, haha.

As for DSG vs Manual, that just comes down to the individual, i used to like my manuals but now i find them clunky and uninformative, the manual in the R is actually too good and a bit to easy to use which is great for around town but when you drive it harder it would be nice if it was a bit notchier if thats a word, maybe the short shift kit fixs that. I find the DSG on a mountain road in manual mode to be more involved and precise, some corners in the manual its too short to go back to second then instantly back to 3rd where the DSG does it in the blink of an eye and fires you out of the corner, just a more involved experience and feel more part of the machine, i guess thats why pretty much all racecars these days have paddles. But either way they are both good cog swappers

[chylld]

Turning circle on the 19's is pretty bad though (reduced steering lock)

Wish I knew this before I ordered; quite embarrassing to need a 3-point turn inside a cul-de-sac Have driven a near-identical (esp colour) R with 18" wheels and the turning circle is significantly better.

That means it has 15kw more and is worthy of the high price..

True story... was expecting $30k trade-in value, dealer came back with $33k! Who am I to argue??

[SilvrFoxX]

Silvr - it is RB.

That means it has 15kw more and is worthy of the high price..

[parso_rex]

DSG has faster shifts obviously, and definitely has its good points - but to me they are boring to drive.

Yes very ........when it still has standard maps but not when they have been riced up a bit

[Lucas_R]

Might do. Still really going over the DSG v Manual in my head. So confusing.

Only you can decide that one - for me it was manual all the way. Its a really nice gearbox and easy to live with. 1st and 2nd gear are very short though (only 95kph in second at redline). DSG has faster shifts obviously, and definitely has its good points - but to me they are boring to drive.

[Damienp]

Might do. Still really going over the DSG v Manual in my head. So confusing.

[Lucas_R]

nice way to get used to the car from Mel to Newcastle.

Might see you around then im in Newcastle too.

[Damienp]

Cheers guys. If I can reach an agreement with the owner it will be a nice way to get used to the car from Mel to Newcastle.
I am not sold on the wheels in general so a set of VMR's would be in its future.
I am getting out of a Landcruiser so turning circle in the golf would have to be better than that which is pretty good IMO.

Silvr - it is RB.